Minister to Decide on Bengworden Road Solar Farm

A proposal for a solar farm at 280 Bengworden Road, Bairnsdale, has been submitted to the Victorian Government's Minister for Planning.

The proposal is for an 85-megawatt solar installation and 70-megawatt battery energy storage system covering approximately 99 hectares.

The proponent, Elgin Energy, is an international energy company operating since 2009.

Under the Victorian planning system, the Minister for Planning is the decision-maker for all renewable energy facilities that are 1 megawatt or greater.

East Gippsland Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Weigall said the formal notification of the proposal to Council and the community provides the opportunity for submissions to be made to the Minister.

"We are aware of community interest in the project and encourage community members to review the project documentation and consider making a submission to the Department of Transport and Planning," Ms Weigall said.

"Council will be making its own submission outlining the matters that we expect to be addressed in the assessment of the proposal."

"Council is not the decision-maker, but we will advocate for a thorough assessment of the proposal and for community views to be fully considered by the Minister."

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